<p>In about a month, my father and I are planning a long-weekend visit to McGill to help me decided whether to apply in the fall. Besides the actual campus, what should we do/see to get a real feel for life in Montreal? I've never been to Quebec (or any other part of Canada, for that matter), and the guide books I've seen list far more sights than I can possibly take in over a three day timespan.</p>
<p>You asked in the right place. </p>
<p>Shopping: St Catherine's street, Eaton Center (mall) As you go into the lower levels of Eaton Center, you will notice that there are hallways that kind of keep going, with more even shops. You have stumbled on the Underground, which is also connected to hotels and metro stations throughout the city, and a great way to get around and shop in the winter.</p>
<p>The Biodome: My personal favorite. Picture a zoo... indoors... with everything from capybaras (sp?) to monkeys to penguins, organized by their different habitats, which have walkways running through them. Don't expect any lions, but trust me, after the penguins, you wouldn't care less if you saw any lions. Or tigers. Or bears. OH MY!</p>
<p>Botanical Gardens: Sounds boring, yes, but its so not, and its a great way to take a walk through beautiful areas. Each of the areas is themed from a different part of the world. There's actually so much to see, its not just "well, okay, here are flowers. "</p>
<p>Vieux Port/Old Port: There's nothing like historic Montreal! Be sure to take a carriage ride, and if you're into old architecture visit the Notre Dame Basilica, its a gorgeous cathedral. </p>
<p>Mount Royal Park: Great place to have a picnic lunch on the day you check out McGill. In Montreal on a Sunday? Go to the park for Tam-Tam's: Think bongos and boho-chic jewelry and clothing for sale. Just bring your own food, unless you intend to have bottled water and ice cream for lunch. </p>
<p>You might consider taking a tour, they run ones of different length, from the 1.5 hour tour all the way up to 9 hours (you get out and have time to explore each stop if you choose the long one) I would suggest taking the hour and a half tour first thing, then seeing what sparks your interest, and going to those places. You can book tours at the Tourist Center.</p>
<p>There's also a pretty cool planetarium, if you are into that kind of thing. I always was when I was younger, so I went quite a few times.</p>
<p>Ooh yeah I'd have to recommend that you check out tam tams on a Sunday and then cross over through Parc Jeanne-Mance to Cafe Santropol (<a href="http://www.santropol.com%5B/url%5D">www.santropol.com</a>) on St. Urbain. If you want a little walking tour, then maybe a walk around the Plateau or go to St. Denis and walk torwards Quartier Latin. Square St Louis is quite pretty and there's a history behind it that I don't remember right now haha, but I'm sure you can read it in a Lonely Planet guide :-P. From Quartier Latin you can walk a bit west to St. Laurent and see Chinatown (maybe get a bubble tea on the way) before going over to Old Montreal and all that beautiful historic stuff.</p>
<p>Personally, I find that the areas east of McGill are more interesting... But that's up to everyone to decide on their own eh?</p>
<p>Oooh, and don't miss out on Schwartz's.....the best smoked meat in Montreal. It's at 3895 St. Laurent by the Pharmaprix. Ohhh droool.....</p>
<p>...And poutine...can't miss that. Haha see a pattern in what I claim is must-see? :-D
I personally like La Belle Province on St. Laurent by Pins...but the SSMU guide says La Banquise on 994 Rachel East next to Parc Lafontaine is better. Whatever's more convenient then I guess :-P</p>
<p>I'm...sucha...fatty.</p>
<p>Oh, and don't drive around when you're there. Pretend you're just a normal student too. Everyone walks or takes public transport.. McGill's in the center of all the action~</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips!</p>